Jackson Clarion-Ledger
Mississippi Children's Museum announces plans to overhaul golf course, add trails
By Kiara Fleming
Mississippi Children’s Museum announced Tuesday the second phase of amenities joining the LeFleur’s Bluff Playground, which opened in December 2021.
The second part of the project includes walking trails that connect the entire museum complex, along with Otter Creek Golf Park, which will have design influence from Robert Trent Jones II.
"To have the opportunity to help create a permanent home for First Tee and support all of the work they and the Children's Museum continue to do for the children of the Jackson Metro area is a blessing," said Nathan Crace in a press statement. Crace, a Mississippi-based golf architect, will be part of the project.
"But to be able to do so while collaborating with Bobby — and make this new golf experience a reality in my adopted home state — makes it a very special project for me on a personal level!" Crace added.
The Mississippi Legislature allocated $13.2 million for the second phase of the project.
Once finished, parents will have options that include paying to enter the museum or using the outdoor park for free.
“This is definitely worth our time and our money,” U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said at the Tuesday event announcing the project.
Trent Jones II, son of legendary golf course designer, Robert Trent "Bobby" Jones Sr., spoke about his partnership with LeFleur’s Bluff and his experience on the course.
“I remember the first time I played at Robert Trent golf course,” Jones said. “The excitement I felt from being on the golf course, I hope others get to experience this feeling and I just want to acknowledge some of the people who made this happen in Mississippi and excited to be a part of this.”
The Mississippi Children’s Museum is part of the LeFleur's Museum District, along with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, located near I-55 and Lakeland Drive in north Jackson.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is collaborating on the project as a way to tie all four museums together into a single experience.